In light wind, If you sail with only one sail which sail do you like to use (Foresail or Mainsail)? Pros and cons?
Thanks
Thanks
Light Wind: Foresail or Mainsail?
- Thread starter McIntoshUSA
- Start date
Just out last Sunday in very light shifting winds, used Jib alone. Nothing to do with Sail trim or driving fast, we had guests on board who arrived late, we wanted to sail a bit but I had already put the boat to bed for the week. Easier to roll out the jib than remove sail covers and hoist the main.
Just a FYI, the boat is a 1989 Hunter 28 ,fractional rig. We weren't going fast or even really sailing very far, but it gave our guests - first time on a sailboat - a little bit of a feel for it, without requiring much work on our part. Once back at the dock, All I had to do was close up and we were ready to go home.
Just a FYI, the boat is a 1989 Hunter 28 ,fractional rig. We weren't going fast or even really sailing very far, but it gave our guests - first time on a sailboat - a little bit of a feel for it, without requiring much work on our part. Once back at the dock, All I had to do was close up and we were ready to go home.
Why would you choose to sail with only one sail in light winds? In such conditions (i.e., 10 kts or less) I want as much sail area up that I have to keep the boat moving and maintaining adequate steerage. To me, sailing with one sail or the other in such conditions only makes sailing harder, not easier. What am I missing here?
I'm with Warren. Sail with one In heavy air. Main upwind, jib down. All possible canvas and don't pinch in light air.
I tend to have a hard time keeping the Genoa full (not flapping) when both sails are up in light wind. The mainsalil seems to steel the wind from the Genoa when both are up in light wind only. Could it be because my Genoa is so big?
Welcome Macintosh...I have an older N30 MKII and it depends on the winds and weather as to which sail I use...many times, just for simplicity and when the winds are under 10 kts, I will just unfurl the jib (mine is a 135) and let 'er rip...if i get serious (and have a little help), I'll use both upwind, but I need someone to handle the wheel while I haul up the main.
Mine is a 135 also. I have been testing it in light wind and seems I do better with just the jib out with light upwind also.
Thanks
